I love working at front desk at Covenant House Vancouver. I get to see some very inspiring things. I was working at our Drake Street reception one day about 3 and a half months ago when a young man entered, he looked exhausted, yet relieved he had found Covenant House. He said “My name is Tom I am here for intake” I informed him that he was at the wrong building because we have recently changed from co-ed to single sex shelters and the male shelter is located in our Pender Street building.

This youth looked very tired and was a little frustrated because he was new to the city and had no idea there was 2 Covenant House locations. This youth looked so flustered and explained he doesn’t know the city and literally just got of the greyhound after a 3 day bus ride. Tom was so exhausted and scared and he was late for his intake. I gave him some water and food and told him to relax and take a seat for a few minutes.

While Tom was sitting I called over to the male shelter and explained the situation. They agreed they would push his intake a little later and hold his spot. I also printed out a map and gave it to Tom because new surroundings are never easy. Off Tom went to our other building.

A week or two went by and I often found myself wondering how it had worked out for this youth. Working at the Drake building I was not around Pender to see how he was doing. I recently applied for a new position at Pender and moved over to that location. My first day at the Pender location, who walked through the door but Tom.

Tom was happy to see me and thanked me for making sure he arrived to the shelter safely and had been staying in our Crisis Program ever since. He was looking into school and had secured a job at a fast food restaurant. He told me he doesn’t want to work in fast food for long but will do anything to support himself and is still applying for other jobs as well as applying for our Rights of Passage (ROP) program.

This young man has now been with is for around 3 months. He moved onto a construction job, and now as of today is a hired electrician apprentice. He is in his first week at ROP and doing well. This young man has so much strength and dedication. After 3 short months he is making goals and conquering them left right and center. I am so fortunate to be able to watch this youth grow and know that nothing can stop him now! Thanks so much to all the people who have been there so far on his journey. Amazing to see the dedication and drive Tom has.

Whitecaps FC are proud to announce that the club has selected Steve McMinn for the 2015 MLS WORKS Community MVP contest. Steve is a dedicated volunteer at Covenant House Vancouver and Vancouver Street Soccer League, two community partners of the club.

The MLS WORKS Community MVP contest is a league-wide contest that acknowledges someone who is committed to making a difference in their local community. The winner receives $10,000 to give to the charity of their choice and an all-expenses paid trip to the 2015 AT&T MLS All-Star Game in Denver, Colorado on July 29, 2015.

For being selected as Whitecaps FC’s Community MVP, Steve has already won $1,000 for the charity of his choice — Covenant House Vancouver. If Steve receives the most votes as a Community MVP, an additional $10,000 will be donated to Covenant House Vancouver.

Voting is open now and closes on July 29. There are no limitations on the number of times one person can vote.

‘Coach Steve,’ as the youth call him, has played a key part in growing Covenant House’s soccer program. Before Steve stepped in, the soccer program only had four players. Thanks to Steve’s efforts and leadership, the program now has enough players for two full teams. Steve has successfully engaged many street-involved youth in the soccer program, while working to show them the importance of teamwork and determination.